Mike Tomlin respects Cam Heyward's tribute that keeps drawing NFL fines
The NFL will fine Cam Heyward $11,576 for wearing eye black with the words 'Iron Head' during Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
By
Ryan Wilson
•
2 min read
The NFL will fine Cam Heyward $11,576 for wearing eye black with the words "Iron Head" during Sunday's game against the Cardinals, a development that comes a week after the league fined him $5,787 for the same uniform violation against the Chargers.
Craig "Ironhead" Heyward is Cam's father and a former NFL fullback. He died in 2006 at the age of 39, eight years after being diagnosed with cancer. Cam, who was 17 at the time, went on to play at Ohio State, and was the Steelers' first-round pick in 2011. He is wearing the eye black to honor is father and to recognize that many others are battling the disease.
“A lot of people are struggling with cancer, and that’s what my message was,” Heyward said Monday, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It’s not just about me and my love for my father. There are a lot of people out there struggling. In a month when breast cancer is honored, I think every type of cancer should be honored, as well.”
The league says it has no plans to suspend Heyward for repeat offenses but he would rack up more than $100,000 in fines if he wears the eye black for the rest of the season. He says he'll wear it for the rest of October.
“I’m not trying to step on anyone’s toes or upset the league office, but I want to continue to do it at least for this month,” Heyward said. “I would love to be able to [do it] this month and make an awareness for all types of cancer. I’m very sincere when I say I’m not trying to be someone who is a rebel against the cause or someone who is against everybody. I care about this league, but I also care about people who are struggling. I understand the struggles they go through. My dad went through that struggle, and I saw it every day.”
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was asked at Tuesday's press conference about Heyward and his eye black.
"I had a brief conversation with (Cam) and I understand his perspective. He's trying to pay homage and honor those that deal with and fight cancer," Tomlin said. "Boy, what a worthy cause. I know that we spend a lot of time in the National Football League collectively honoring those -- I just think that what he's doing is a part of it. I understand that the league office probably has a different view. I'll let him sort it out with those guys but I understand the gist of what he's trying to do and I respect him for it."
At the end of the day, Heyward is just looking to shine a light on a problem that affects millions of people.
“There needs to be more awareness,” Heyward said. “We can beat around the bush, but my dad suffered from it, and he played in this league for 11 years. This has to be addressed."
